Hurricane Isaias slammed into Destin as a strong Category 2 hurricane, leaving flooding, downed power lines, and debris across the city. Almost the entire community lost power, and crews were out before sunrise clearing roads so residents could start moving again. Minor flooding was reported on Sibert Avenue, and no injuries or deaths have been reported.
Residents didn’t wait for help to arrive. Jonathan Schmidt spent his morning repairing a fence and checking for minor leaks, the kind of scene repeated in driveways all over the Panhandle today. Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner said the city’s focus is straightforward: power, water, and transportation. Get those restored, and recovery can begin in earnest. Wagner added that coming together after a storm is what Florida is all about.
For those of us here on the Suncoast, it’s a good moment to look at our own hurricane plans, restock supplies, and know our evacuation zones before the next system forms in the Gulf. Have you checked your storm kit lately?
